The most anticipated rematch in Australian boxing history hits the Sydney Entertainment Centre as Daniel Geale defends his IBF middleweight world title against Anthony Mundine.

Since their 2009 bout, their paths have consistently failed to cross. On Wednesday night, they will measure their own legends against each other to determine who is the king of Australian boxing.

What's at stake

Geale has the opportunity to avenge the only loss on his professional record and bring history in line with what he is already convinced is reality.

Fighting Mundine provides Geale with some notoriety in these parts. Despite having already captured two world titles in Germany, he boxes in virtual anonymity at home.

Mundine is the cash cow of Australian boxing. Since hopping codes in 2000, he has brought in crossover crowds and paved the way for other local boxers, including Danny Green.

A Mundine victory would earn him the most prestigious title of his career and give him significant leverage to secure future bouts with the world's best middleweights.

Mundine v Geale I

Mundine was awarded a controversial split decision victory the first time the pair fought in May 2009. He caught Geale backing up early in the second round with a light left hook.

The knockdown proved the difference in an incredibly close fight.

The fight was marred by an unusual incident in which the bout was paused five times between rounds 6-10, as Mundine had loose tape hanging from his gloves.

Many experts believe the interruptions aided Mundine in slowing down Geale's high-tempo style.

Geale protested the result. The IBO had three independent judges review the fight, two scoring it in favor of the Tasmanian - the other to Mundine.

Therefore, after 12 rounds of boxing, six judges couldn't split the pair. The IBO ordered a rematch however Mundine vacated the belt to chase a world title at 154lbs (70kg).

Path since Mundine v Geale I

Since their 2009 meeting, Geale has conquered the Middleweight division. In 2011, Geale achieved what his contemporaries couldn't, winning a world title on German soil.

Last year he proved it was no fluke as he defeated WBA super champion Felix Sturm.

Geale was stripped of the WBA title before his first defence for not fighting regular champ Gennady Golovkin. It wouldn't have happened to Floyd Mayweather.

So little faith did the WBA have in Geale, his title wasn't even in Germany the night he beat Sturm. It was later mailed to him.

Since his win over Geale, Mundine has struggled in his quest to make it in America. He hasn't landed the big names he would have hoped or gained a world title shot at junior middleweight.

Mundine's camp was in discussions with Shane Mosley about a potential showdown early in 2013 however pursued the Geale rematch instead.

In his past five bouts Mundine hasn't fought anyone highly regarded. He was also knocked out by the winner of reality TV show Contender Australia Garth Wood. He impressed in his last fight against American veteran Bronco McKart.

Favouritism

Geale has been the underdog in all of his major fights. For the first time he carries the weight of expectation against an accomplished opponent.

Bookmakers have installed Geale as the $1.30 favourite - Mundine has drifted to a $3.25 outsider.

Boxing underdogs can come in any number of guises. For the first time in nearly seven years, Mundine will step in the ring as an overwhelming underdog.

The fight looms as a crossroad in his career. Win, and the world awaits. Lose, and we could see a rematch with Danny Green in the next 12 months, this time at 175lbs (80kg).

Prediction

Everything may point toward a Geale victory but I believe Mundine has one more night to add to his storied career. Careers can last decades yet legacies are made over only a handful of nights.

Much like the first bout, Mundine will rely on his precision punching to keep backing Geale up. Granted, the Apple Islander isn't the same boxer he was three years ago.

How will Geale cope as the favourite on the big stage? And at 37 years of age, can Mundine maintain his relentless pace against a busy fighter like Geale?